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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Nanodiamonds protect skin from ultraviolet B-induced damage in mice
Meng-Si Wu1,2, Der-Shan Sun3,4, Yu-Chung Lin5
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, No. 707 Sec. 3, Chung-Yang Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, 970, Taiwan. wmnsi@hotmail.com.
Background:
Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes various deleterious effects, and UV blockage is recommended for avoiding sunburn. Nanosized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer effective protection and enhance cosmetic appearance but entail health concerns regarding their photocatalytic activity, which generates reactive oxygen species. These concerns are absent in nanodiamonds (NDs). Among the UV wavelengths in sunlight, UVB irradiation primarily threatens human health.
Results:
The efficacy and safety of NDs in UVB protection were evaluated using cell cultures and mouse models. We determined that 2 mg/cm(2) of NDs efficiently reduced over 95% of UVB radiation. Direct UVB exposure caused cell death of cultured keratinocyte, fibroblasts and skin damage in mice. By contrast, ND-shielding significantly protected the aforementioned pathogenic alterations in both cell cultures and mouse models.
Conclusions:
NDs are feasible and safe materials for preventing UVB-induced skin damage.
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